04/13/2015

The First Steps of Your Homeschooling Journey...

Every homeschooling family's path has a beginning. Some of us know from the get-go that we do not want to send our children to school, and some of us stumble on this path because we observe an emotional or academic need in our child that is not being met in the school system. Either way, starting homeschooling can be a worrisome thing. So many books, so many ways... where do I start and am I enough? The questions just fly in those first months.

There are two videos that I show to everyone who is thinking of an alternative kind of education for their children. Now of course, these kids are one of a kind, but the important thing to remember is that: so are your kids! Think about that statement for a second...

YOUR CHILD IS ONE OF A KIND.

How amazing is that thought? By allowing him a home education you can adjust everything in order to nurture that fact. Take a few minutes to watch these two teenagers talk about their experience in learning.

-Jacob Barnett

-Logan LaPlante

One of the most important things I tell families who are starting homeschooling with children and who have just come from the public system, is to NOT school. Give yourselves a few months, even a year to do nothing. Really it will depend on you and your child to figure out exactly how long you need to do what I call a "detox". Stay at home, sleep in late, watch ridiculous amounts of television or play on the xbox for a few weeks straight... follow your children's lead. Let them recuperate from their school experience. If they still want to do worksheets by all means encourage them, but usually that is the last thing on their mind.

Don't worry. I know it's hard at first, but you will know when the period of "detox" is done. Your child will start asking you questions about the world around him. They will want to go outside, meet some friends, start reading again. For some, this only takes a few days to happen. For others, it's closer to the year mark.

Once that change starts, follow their lead... try to figure out first and foremost what their learning style is. Are they auditory learners that need to talk things through in order to really comprehend them? Do they need to touch everything and graple with concepts in a hands on kind of way (kinestetic)? Or is it easier for them as visual learners to comprehend something while watching a movie, or having you write things on a board? This will allow you to decide what your homeschool life is going to be like. Are you going to hackschool the way Logan LaPlante does? Unschool the way Jacob Barnett learns? Or simply find a more conservative curriculum that follows a style of learning that is beneficial for your child? These are all questions that will be so much easier to answer once you have uncovered who your child truly is, without all of the trappings that the public school system had burried her under.

During the time that you'll be re-discovering your child, the most important thing to remember is the balance of family life. Nurture connection, communication and calm in your house. Make sure that you have family meals, and discuss what the hopes are for everyone in the household. What are you interested in building, as a family, now that you are homeschooling? This also applies to families who are starting to homeschool their younger children. Always discuss your family goals and hopes! Children have great ideas to implement, and it will give you a spring board on which to build up your homeschooling environment.

Does your child want to focus on science? Then you know to go heavy on those lessons in your curriculum with them. Do they want to go out in the world and help others? Then you can build your homeschooling experience around good deeds: like cooking for others, helping build houses and learning math in the process, etc. Don't get stuck in believing that there is only one way to learn things, but instead, through your children's eyes, explore all the different learning possibilities that will make education significant for your family.

The other important thing for homeschoolers is community, building a community both online (through this blog and others that inspire you), and in person, is vital for both parents and children. Being able to toss out ideas to other people who are going through the same thing you are is invaluable! So, read and connect, comment, ask questions, and find a homeschool group that makes you happy and fulfilled. We are here to answer your questions, and provide you with outlets that you can count on!

Good Luck... You are starting on a journey with your family that may lead to your most fulfilling experiences yet!

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I am Marie Lafranque. Originally from France I am an artist and mother now living in California who is discovering her affinity with fabrics and thread. I live with my little girl, Victoria, and one old lady dog. Please feel free to follow and comment on our adventures!